Oscar Hijuelos
American author of 'The Mambo Kings'

Born
August 24th, 1951
73 years ago
Died
October 12th, 2013
11 years ago — 62 years old
Category
Artists & Creatives
Country
United States
Links & References
An American author and academic, this individual gained recognition for literary works that explored the immigrant experience. The debut novel, 'The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love', released in 1989, garnered widespread acclaim and won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1990. This work tells the story of two Cuban brothers who emigrated to America and sought success in the world of music. Alongside fiction, significant contributions to literature also included essays and stories that reflected the complexities of cultural identity. An academic career complemented the literary pursuits, teaching at various universities and contributing to dialogues on Latin American literature.
Wrote 'The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love'
Won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1990
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